Biographical Sketches
WILLIAM HARVEY
Occupies the responsible position of freight agent of the Pennsylvania Railroad, his office being in Kansas City. Steadily has he worked his way upward, and by close application, persistent and commendable effort has achieved a success of which he is well worthy. He was born in Albany, New York, January 27, 1833, and is a son of Francis and Linda (Higgins) Harvey, natives of the Empire state. The father was engaged in the manufacture of stoves in Albany; he died several years ago.
Our subject spent his boyhood days in his native city, and acquired his education in the public schools and at a university there. At the age of 17 he left home to enter a drug store in New York city, and for about 3 years was engaged in that line of business. During that time he saved some capital, and with it embarked in the manufacture of paints and followed painting, this, however, being under the care of foremen. He had little to invest, but prospered in the undertaking and successfully carried it on until failing health compelled him to retire. He then returned to Albany, securing a clerkship with the Albany Northern Railroad. Here his ability and enterprise won recognition by frequent promotions, and he was made agent, cashier and general freight agent in the general office at Albany. In that capacity he continued to serve until 1860, when, desiring to identify his interests with those of the west, he made his way to Quincy, Illinois, and was given charge of the outside freight business of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. There was no bridge across the river at that time, and his business was very extensive, he sometimes having the management of as many as 200 workmen.
There he served until 1865, when he was made general agent of the Wabash road at Quincy. In October, 1868, he was appointed agent of the Empire Transportation Company, later owned by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and continued his headquarters at Quincy, having charge of the territory tributary to that city. He was also manager of the business which concentrated at Burlington and Keokuk, Iowa, and at Hannibal, Missouri, having sub-agents at those places. In 1883 he removed his office to Kansas City, and now has charge of all the southwestern territory. The control of the extensive business which is conducted in the freight department requires a master mind, a strong guiding power and sound judgment - qualities which our subject possesses.
Mr. Harvey was married in New York City, when about 21 years of age, to Miss Amanda M. Carman, of that place. She died in Quincy, in 1872, leaving 5 children, namely: William, a railroad man of Chicago; Henry DeWitt, who is also connected with railroad interests in Chicago; George F., who died at the age of 31, in Kansas City, where he was employed in the freight auditing department of Kansas City, Fort Scott & Memphis railroad; R. L., a railroad man of Kansas City; and Leonora C., wife of Charles A. Baughman, a railroad employee in Denver, Colorado. Mr. Harvey was again married, in Quincy, in 1875, his 2nd union being with Miss Julia A. Weber of that city. They have 1 son, Frank C., who is now in the high school in Kansas City.
Mr. Harvey gives his political support to the republican party, but has had neither time nor inclination for office. He is a member of the Episcopal church, and served as precentor of the Quincy diocese. For 21 years he had charge of the music, and had in training a choir of 50 men and boys in the Quincy church. He has always been very fond of music, finding one of his greatest sources of pleasure in this art. He has been an interested and active member of various musical societies in Kansas City and was especially prominent in the Philharmonic society.
The name of Mr. Harvey is well-known in fraternal circles, he being an Odd Fellow, Knight of Pythias and Druid, but he is best known in the Masonic fraternity, where he has risen to high rank. He was made a Mason in Albany, New York, became worshipful master of the lodge in Quincy, served as worshipful master for 4 years, and was a delegate to the grand lodge. In 1866 he was raised to the 3rd degree, began work in the Scottish rite in June, 1890, and became a member of Adoniram lodge of Perfection. He rose to the 33rd degree and was coronated at St. Louis, October 19, 1893, as inspector general honorary, at the only time when the supreme council met elsewhere than in Washington. He is at present venerable master of Adoniram lodge of Perfection No. 2, also venerable master of the Kadosh of the consistory of western Missouri. He is one of the most prominent and popular Masons in Kansas City, and is a member of Orient chapter Royal Arch Masons, and a member of Oriental commandery, Knights Templar, -- both of Kansas City.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.